Abbey Medieval Jousting Spectacular

Freelance writer with a BA double majoring in Literature and Australian History who loves finding random places of social or historical treasure whilst travelling around visiting festivals, markets and quaint cafes with my husband and baby

One would have thought that Jousting was a sport of the past, belonging to a bygone era of knights and fair maidens. Something that belongs in Game of Thrones maybe or the Lord of the Rings.

The Abbey Medieval Festival transports you back to that time on 15 November with the Abbey Medieval Jousting Spectacular.

What is Jousting?Straight out of the middle ages Jousting is two knights riding horses and carrying lances, who charge at each other from opposite directions with the aim of knocking the other one of his horse.

Jousting tournaments were extremely popular during the middle ages as a way for knights to determine who was the best and establish their rank amongst other knights. This was very well respected and revered.

The Abbey Medieval Jousting Spectacular gives 21st century enthusiasts the chance to experience these fabulous tournaments which join man and steed together as a team to defeat their competitors.

Transport yourself back in history to the time of your favourite fantasy movie or book. The adventures of the Hobbit are nothing compared to seeing the real thing take place in front of your eyes.

All of the pageantry and colour come alive as you watch the knights on their brave steeds battle it out for supremacy.

Competing knights are listed on the Abbey Medieval Festival website so you can choose your favourite knight and cheer him or her to victory. Yes, there are female knights in this modern day and they are every bit as competitive as their male counterparts.

We are lucky to have knights at this Tournament who have competed all over the globe. Will you back L Dale Walter from the USA, Sarah Hay who has won jousting tournaments all over Australia, Canada and the USA, or New Zealand born Brian Ketley who rides the magical sounding Merlin Firefoot? Or perhaps another of the brave horsemen competing on the day?

This tournament is being held in honour of a wedding between two magnicent European houses, the Della Rossa and the von Blau. Their foot armies will be on display to celebrate the occasion. See the online blog for more about the exciting romance of Antonio Del Rosa and Lady Annelise Von Blau. Somewhat akin to star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet, this love story has taken part amid two battling families.

One of the best parts of the Abbey Medieval events is the costumes. Everywhere people are dressed in the garb of the era. Not just the competitors and officials, but the visitors too. This is your chance to dress up and have some fun. Experience medieval times as they were with traditional drinks and foods. The event is licensed.

Jugglers, fire twirlers, singers and dancers will entertain you as you party into the night medieval style.

The Abbey Medieval Jousting Spectacular is held on Saturday 15 November 2014 at the Queensland State Equestrian Centre, Beerburrum Road, Caboolture. Tickets are $55 per person ($45 for concession, students and children 3-14). Families of two adults and two children are $160. Tickets can also be bought by ringing the venue on 5433 3222 (business hours).

Note, due to this event being a tournament exhibition there will be no markets.

For event updates see the official Facebook event page of the Tournament or check out the Abbey Medieval Festival Facebook page.

For more information about the great events the Abbey Medieval Festival organises throughout the year, see their website.